We started the class by reviewing some basic concepts to ensure all students understand why they do, what they do on the computer. We also reviewed how to make a window "full screen" and how to adjust the volume for their headphones. Then they continued to create a personal Glog which is an online poster. This is in preparation for next week when the students will use Glogster to create an online poster of their field trip to Jamestown.

Web Browser Tabs and Windows

Web browsers let you have multiple tabs and windows open so you can surf and view multiple websites at the same time. It's kind of like having your notebook and multiple books open on your desk at the same time. You can access any of them without losing your place.

Mouse - Right Clicking

When you "right click" on an something with your mouse, it displays a list of things you can do with the item. This changes based on what you are right clicking on. You right click using your middle finger.

Introduction to the Internet

We talked about the Internet and how it is made up of millions of computers, located all around the world. That is why you can access the same application or information on the Internet from home or school. You just have to know the address of the site, also called the URL.

Glogster - Inserting an Image using a URL

You can include an image from the Internet by entering the URL of an image somewhere on the Internet. To do this, you need to:

Find the image you want to use on the Internet: You need to open a new tab and do a search using something like Google Images (or Bing Images). Make sure the image is on it's own page with no other text or images on the same page(e.g. Click on Full Size Image). Copy the URL address of the image.

In Glogster: Click on "Image" in the floating menu. Then Click on "Link". Paste the URL address and click on "Add to your files"

The students will be learning how to use Glogsters to make an online poster. They'll learn how to change the wallpaper, add text, images, animated graphics, etc. Today, they'll be experimenting and having fun with the features. Next class we'll use Glogster to create an online poster about Jamestown. Click below to login:

Last week, while learning about the file system, the class figured out they could not only post things into their own personal folders, but they could also post things into other people's folders. I explained to them that personal folders are "personal" and normally you don't want to mess around with someone else's, but indeed it is possible. So building on the desire to write each other notes, this week I asked them to write a note to someone they were randomly assigned to in the class. They could use any tool of their choice (Microsoft Word, Pixie, or Powerpoint). We talked about how studies have shown that showing gratitude is good for your health. So I asked them to write something nice such as:

Something you admire about the person

Something you’ve been wanting to thank them for

A nice wish

A funny joke

Something you think they’d like

When finished, they saved the file into the other person's personal folder and named the file with their own name.Then they checked their own folder to see if they got a note. Because they didn't know what application the other person used to create the note, they needed to use Windows Explorer to see all the files in their personal folder. If they had time, they responded to the person who left them a note. The kids did a great job on this project.

This week the students are learning about the computer file system. We will talk about:

when you use "save" and when you use "save as"

how folders work

how the computers at the school are networked, so they can talk to each other

why it's important to save your file in your "personal folder" and not in "my documents" or the "desktop"

how "my computer" shows you all the storage devices available

how you can store documents, pictures, videos, and audio

how to generate different views of the files

The students will select an application of their choice. They will save their work. Then they will continue working on it some more. After they have made some more changes, they will use "save as". Then they will look in their personal folder to see that both versions are there.

Last week the students used Microsoft Word. I gave them a glimpse into using the "ribbons", then let them explore. I had them get up and demonstrate to the class what they figured out. It was amazing what they learned. We looked at changing the way fonts looked, inserting shapes, wordart, pictures, and word art, and much more.

This week we're going to take a more measured approach. The kids are going to systematically learn to change the way fonts look including: bold, italics, underline, font size, color, and changing fonts.

The students will be practicing their Spelling Words by creating a word cloud using Wordle. In this project the students will be practicing their keyboarding skills, practice using the enter key, learning about fonts, and having some fun with their spelling words.

Did you know that there are "Computers Everywhere"? Computers don't have to look like a desktop computer or laptop. It could be an iPad, iPod, iPhone, or gaming system like a Playstation 3 or Wii. Some computers have specialized functions like a digital alarm clock or remote control car. Others are general purpose like a laptop or iPad. Today we'll be talking about the four things that make a computer, a computer. A computer must have:

Input – There has to be a way to get information IN to the computer. It’s the way you talk to a computer. The standard input devices for a PC are the keyboard and mouse

Output – There has to be a way for the computer to get information back OUT. It’s the way the computer talks to you. The standard output devices for a PC are the monitor and speaker.

Processing - The computer has to be able to do something with the information. For example you can ask the computer to add 2+2 and it will process the information to get 4.

Storage - The computer has to be able to remember things. An example is the ability for the computer to remember a document you created or the score from a game you're playing.